The Neuroscience of Psychedelics

A detailed look at the neural and biological mechanisms of psychedelic use

Foreword by José Carlos Bouso, Ph.D.

Preface

1 Brief Introduction to Pharmacology
Etymological Origins
Main Pharmacological Concepts
Nervous System • Neurons, Synapses,
and Action Potentials • Pharmacokinetics and
Pharmacodynamics • Neurotransmitters • Receptors •
Modifying Receptor Function

Why Psychedelic Pharmacology?
Pharmacology and Complexity
References for Further Study

2 Pharmacological Classification of the Main
Psychedelic Drugs: Structures and Major Groups
Simple Tryptamines, including Psilocybin
and DMT
Ergolamines, including LSD
Phenethylamines, including Mescaline and MDMA
NMDA Receptor Antagonists, including Ketamine
New Tryptamines
Atypical Psychedelics
Tabernanthe iboga • Salvia divinorum •
Datura stramonium

References for Further Study

3 Biological Targets of Psychedelic Drugs
Simple Tryptamine Targets
Psilocybin • DMT and Ayahuasca
Ergolamine Targets
LSD • LSA
Phenethylamine Targets
Mescaline • MDMA
Targets of NMDA Receptor Antagonists,
including Ketamine
Targets of New Tryptamines
Targets of Atypical Psychedelics
Ibogaine/Noribogaine • Salvinorin-A •
Datura stramonium

References for Further Study

4 Characteristic Aspects of Psychedelic Pharmacology
PHARMACOKINETICS
Initial Phases of the Processing of Psychedelics
Release • Absorption • Distribution
Metabolism
Metabolism and Aging •
Main Centers and Enzymes Responsible for Metabolism
Relevant Aspects in the Metabolism
of Psychedelic Drugs
Psilocybin • DMT/Ayahuasca • LSD • MDMA • Mescaline •
Ketamine • Ibogaine/Noribogaine • Salvinorin-A •
Tropane Alkaloids
Elimination

PHARMACODYNAMICS
Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics
Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, and Neuroprotective
Effects • Therapeutic Effects of Atypical Psychedelics •
Increased Neuroplasticity • Neurological Evidence of
Psychedelics’ Therapeutic Effects • Hormonal Effects •
Psychological Effects
Microdosing Psychedelics as an Emerging Trend
Adverse Effects in the Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics
Toxicity • Studying the Safety of Psychedelics • Health Risks
When Using Psychedelic Drugs Therapeutically
Psychoactive Effects of Psychedelics
Data on Psychedelics' Psychoactive Effects
Tolerance

References for Further Study

5 Harm Reduction in Your Use of Psychedelic Drugs
Take Care of Yourself • Check What You Bought •
Don’t Get Creative with Routes of Administration •
Keep Hydrated • Don’t Mix • Be Patient

6 A Look into the Future: Promises and Challenges
Marketing of Psychedelic Therapies
The Role of Traditional Knowledge
To Trip or Not to Trip

Appendix I: The Legal Status of Psychedelic Drugs
around the World

Appendix II: Glossary

Index